Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Meeting of New Board
The New Township Board will consist of three newly appointed members and two former members. As you know, the recall of Super, Clerk, and Trustee was successful, so the three posts had to be appointed, and those three members will serve until the next regular election date, November 8, 2011. Then we do all the campaign signs again in Nov of 2012 when the entire board runs anew. So, the new super called a special meeting for Wednesday eve at 7pm to get acquainted with the electors and do the business of the township. Come on out...
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
WANTED...SUPERVISOR, CLERK, TRUSTEE
The Elk Township Board, or what is left of them, will be accepting resumes for the positions of Supervisor, Clerk, and Trustee until Thursday @ 1pm. Regular office hours for the township are Thursdays 9-1, so drop off a resume today.
The "Board" has called a special meeting to fill those positions for Saturday, August 13 @ 9am. This is an open meeting, so come on out and let your township board know YOU KNOW!
The "Board" has called a special meeting to fill those positions for Saturday, August 13 @ 9am. This is an open meeting, so come on out and let your township board know YOU KNOW!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The Next Step...
Now that the recall is finally over, signs have been taken down, and tempers are cooling, we wonder what is the next step?
It is my understanding that a committee of the election commission, consisting of the Judge, Clerk, and Treasurer of the county, will meet to appoint one member of the Elk Township Board, then with this quorum, the board can meet on Tues, our regularly scheduled board meeting, to appoint the rest of the board. This new board will serve until the next scheduled election, November 2011, or 2012 depending on the interpretation of election laws.
Anyway, that is only my interpretation, so come on out Tuesday to see for yourself. Hope to see you there!
It is my understanding that a committee of the election commission, consisting of the Judge, Clerk, and Treasurer of the county, will meet to appoint one member of the Elk Township Board, then with this quorum, the board can meet on Tues, our regularly scheduled board meeting, to appoint the rest of the board. This new board will serve until the next scheduled election, November 2011, or 2012 depending on the interpretation of election laws.
Anyway, that is only my interpretation, so come on out Tuesday to see for yourself. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
PIGS CAN FLY!
UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS:
In a stunning turnout, voters have overwhelmingly spoken for recall...
Supervisor-Linda VanDolsen recalled 256 votes to 78
Clerk-Marilyn VanVleet recalled 244 to 85
Trustee-Frances "Cookie" Arquette recalled 245 to 84
What do you think?
In a stunning turnout, voters have overwhelmingly spoken for recall...
Supervisor-Linda VanDolsen recalled 256 votes to 78
Clerk-Marilyn VanVleet recalled 244 to 85
Trustee-Frances "Cookie" Arquette recalled 245 to 84
What do you think?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Recall August 2, 2011
Many of you may have received a letter dated, well not dated, but signed by Linda Van Dolsen, Marilyn VanVleet, and Cookie Arquette. My entire voting family received their own individual copies in the mail today. I just couldn't pass up some very flagrant & inflammatory statements in said letter. For instance:
"Several years ago the previous township board formed a committee that studied the issue of a new township hall. That committee and the previous board pushed a dangerous, financially irresponsible $300,000.00 proposal. In 2006, the public forced the board to place a measure on the ballot to see if there was support for this project. The $300,000.00 proposal would have required the township to borrow at least half the money and may have required the township to increase property taxes to pay off that debt. That's right, they wanted to increase our taxes."
Wow, this paragraph is fraught with fallacies; where to begin?
Well, there was no "pushing", in fact the public in numerous meetings requested certain things be added to our current structure, such as, but not limited to, a basement, and a larger auditorium for hosting banquets and family gatherings.
Neither did the public force the board to place the measure on the ballot, that was a completely voluntary decision by a seated board, and the result of the vote was respected by that same board, hence the building project was dropped.
Now a new board, with some current members who were VERY VOCAL in their campaign against a larger township hall, has decided that they alone hold the powers to spend the very monies that the township requested not to be spent on a larger facility, and to do so with NO BIDS, and LITTLE INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC WHICH PUT THEM IN OFFICE. This is not beneficial leadership.
Another fallacy, which I believe this board understands to be misleading, is that a seated board can raise your property taxes. This is just not true. Remember, we are not the federal government, and a township government has NO AUTHORITY TO RAISE TAXES. Any raise in taxes past the Headley Amendment Rollback, must be voted on by the taxpayers. This is plain 'ole fear mongering.
Finally, this letter references people who want a seat on the board, but who is to say this is true. Who has said anyone wants a seat on this board? Who would voluntarily beat themselves up with their own severed arm.
Enjoy your week, and remember to vote your conscience on August 2nd.
"Several years ago the previous township board formed a committee that studied the issue of a new township hall. That committee and the previous board pushed a dangerous, financially irresponsible $300,000.00 proposal. In 2006, the public forced the board to place a measure on the ballot to see if there was support for this project. The $300,000.00 proposal would have required the township to borrow at least half the money and may have required the township to increase property taxes to pay off that debt. That's right, they wanted to increase our taxes."
Wow, this paragraph is fraught with fallacies; where to begin?
Well, there was no "pushing", in fact the public in numerous meetings requested certain things be added to our current structure, such as, but not limited to, a basement, and a larger auditorium for hosting banquets and family gatherings.
Neither did the public force the board to place the measure on the ballot, that was a completely voluntary decision by a seated board, and the result of the vote was respected by that same board, hence the building project was dropped.
Now a new board, with some current members who were VERY VOCAL in their campaign against a larger township hall, has decided that they alone hold the powers to spend the very monies that the township requested not to be spent on a larger facility, and to do so with NO BIDS, and LITTLE INPUT FROM THE PUBLIC WHICH PUT THEM IN OFFICE. This is not beneficial leadership.
Another fallacy, which I believe this board understands to be misleading, is that a seated board can raise your property taxes. This is just not true. Remember, we are not the federal government, and a township government has NO AUTHORITY TO RAISE TAXES. Any raise in taxes past the Headley Amendment Rollback, must be voted on by the taxpayers. This is plain 'ole fear mongering.
Finally, this letter references people who want a seat on the board, but who is to say this is true. Who has said anyone wants a seat on this board? Who would voluntarily beat themselves up with their own severed arm.
Enjoy your week, and remember to vote your conscience on August 2nd.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Regularly Scheduled Meeting of Elk Township Goes Well, and Recall Goes On...
Notice the new links on the side bar:
Not much news info to share, just that according to the Fire Department Chair, the origin of the K & K Grocery fire was deemed "Undetermined" by the fire marshall,
and August 6th is the Annual Fireman's Ball, held again at Skinner Park.
There were motions made, seconded and passed to survey the rest of Lakeview Cemetery; renew our township's insurance policy; and turn the foreclosed township properties over to the county for selling (parcels which have not paid their property taxes).
also...
Sample Ballots have been printed for the Recall Election which will be held August 2, 2011 at the Elk Township Hall, the wording is as follows:
"Linda VanDolsen, Elk Township Supervisor (Marilyn VanVleet, Elk Township Clerk, and Frances Arquette, Elk Township Trustee), has demonstrated a lack of financial accountability and judgment when she committed Elk Township to spend $150,000.00 of cash reserve for a new town hall. She did not give due consideration to a less expensive proposal which would have extended the existing hall with new construction. The less expensive proposal would have added needed space and restored the integrity of the old building at considerable savings."
Links to interesting websites
- BSA Software Information on Taxes
- City-Data.com for Lake County
- Epodunk: Lake County Profile
- Lake County Free Public Records Directory
- Lake County Official Website
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- Michigan government
- Michigan Interactive Map
- Michigan Legislature
- Michigan Townships
- Snopes.com
- Wikipedia for Lake County, MI
Not much news info to share, just that according to the Fire Department Chair, the origin of the K & K Grocery fire was deemed "Undetermined" by the fire marshall,
and August 6th is the Annual Fireman's Ball, held again at Skinner Park.
There were motions made, seconded and passed to survey the rest of Lakeview Cemetery; renew our township's insurance policy; and turn the foreclosed township properties over to the county for selling (parcels which have not paid their property taxes).
also...
Sample Ballots have been printed for the Recall Election which will be held August 2, 2011 at the Elk Township Hall, the wording is as follows:
"Linda VanDolsen, Elk Township Supervisor (Marilyn VanVleet, Elk Township Clerk, and Frances Arquette, Elk Township Trustee), has demonstrated a lack of financial accountability and judgment when she committed Elk Township to spend $150,000.00 of cash reserve for a new town hall. She did not give due consideration to a less expensive proposal which would have extended the existing hall with new construction. The less expensive proposal would have added needed space and restored the integrity of the old building at considerable savings."
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Let's all play together, nicely...
At the last regularly scheduled board meeting, the board put away the claws (mostly) and asked/listened to the public's opinions. Some highlights:
Summer taxes will be mailed soon, and must be received by the treasurer no later than Sept 14th in order to avoid late fees. The postmark will no longer be honored, it must be received by Sept 14th.
Lake County will have their own substance abuse counselor.
Recycling is going on every Sat at Sauble Twp and everyone's accumulated wealth is welcomed (no hazardous waste): paper, metal, plastic, and glass only.
Heritage Bay has made petition to pave their roads (again), and the board has made a commitment to look into the costs of such a project.
Midget Lake Special Assessment District has more than enough monies for treatment for this year, so the board made a decision to reduce assessments to $41/parcel.
TOXIC WASTE CLEAN UP: OCT 8th @ WENGER PAVILION in Baldwin, 9-12 noon
The Board agreed to have a long awaited structural analysis completed on the current township hall by Nordlund Associates; this business will provide a report with recommendations.
And, finally, Frances Arquette cleared up the reason for a closed session during the June 3rd special meeting:
She called a closed session for the board in accordance with the Open Meetings Act for the following reason:
"(1) ...to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual when the person requests a closed hearing."
Summer taxes will be mailed soon, and must be received by the treasurer no later than Sept 14th in order to avoid late fees. The postmark will no longer be honored, it must be received by Sept 14th.
Lake County will have their own substance abuse counselor.
Thanks goes out to Chad at The Boat House for shutting up his shop in order to fix a pump on a fire truck in use at K & K grocery during the recent fire.
Recycling is going on every Sat at Sauble Twp and everyone's accumulated wealth is welcomed (no hazardous waste): paper, metal, plastic, and glass only.
Heritage Bay has made petition to pave their roads (again), and the board has made a commitment to look into the costs of such a project.
Midget Lake Special Assessment District has more than enough monies for treatment for this year, so the board made a decision to reduce assessments to $41/parcel.
TRASH DAY: JULY 23rd @ SKINNER PARK, 9-1 pm
The Board agreed to have a long awaited structural analysis completed on the current township hall by Nordlund Associates; this business will provide a report with recommendations.
And, finally, Frances Arquette cleared up the reason for a closed session during the June 3rd special meeting:
She called a closed session for the board in accordance with the Open Meetings Act for the following reason:
"(1) ...to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual when the person requests a closed hearing."
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
NOW! What?
The Elk Township Board calls an emergency meeting, then holds an illegal closed session.
According the the Red Book, which is the Bible for townships,
"The right to hold private or executive meetings of the township board has been severely limited under the Open Meeting Act. For township purposes, closed meeting are limited to:
1) Dismissal, suspension or disciplining of, to hear complaints or charges brought against or consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, if the named person requests a closed hearing;
2) Collective bargaining sessions at the request of either negotiating party;
3) Real estate purchase or lease consideration;
4) Consultation with the township attorney concerning pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the public body's litigating or settlement position;
5) Review of an employment application, only when requested by the applicant, and
6) Other matters exempt from disclosure by state or federal law."
page 55 of Authorities & Responsibilities by John H. Bauckham , Jan. 2006.
From what I understand, none of the above criterion were met, so what is the justification for a closed session, or is this simply another measure of "We are doing things our way."?
This Board continues to raise more questions than they answer! Next regularly scheduled board meeting is this Tues, June 14th, 7pm
According the the Red Book, which is the Bible for townships,
"The right to hold private or executive meetings of the township board has been severely limited under the Open Meeting Act. For township purposes, closed meeting are limited to:
1) Dismissal, suspension or disciplining of, to hear complaints or charges brought against or consider a periodic personnel evaluation of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, if the named person requests a closed hearing;
2) Collective bargaining sessions at the request of either negotiating party;
3) Real estate purchase or lease consideration;
4) Consultation with the township attorney concerning pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the public body's litigating or settlement position;
5) Review of an employment application, only when requested by the applicant, and
6) Other matters exempt from disclosure by state or federal law."
page 55 of Authorities & Responsibilities by John H. Bauckham , Jan. 2006.
From what I understand, none of the above criterion were met, so what is the justification for a closed session, or is this simply another measure of "We are doing things our way."?
This Board continues to raise more questions than they answer! Next regularly scheduled board meeting is this Tues, June 14th, 7pm
Monday, May 23, 2011
Memorable Quotes, shall we say right from the horse's mouth...
"Since I'm going to be recalled, I think we need to go through with this (speaking of the building project). That's one of my reasons."-Frances Arquette
"The tools to complete a successful building project are not in place."-John Fairbanks
"We've talked about getting bids, and that hasn't been done...I'm not in favor of doing anything without having a lawyer look at this contract."-Carol Draper
"I would feel more comfortable having an attorney look at this (contract)."-Marilyn VanVleet
and last, but not least Jackie McKellar addressing Linda VanDolsen,
"You are not looking out for the best interests of the people."
At this meeting there was a motion made, and seconded, to stop this building project and to pay Steve Riggs what is owed to him at this time. The motion passed by roll call vote:
Frances Arquette-No
Carol Draper-Yes
John Fairbanks-Yes
Linda VanDolsen-Yes
Marilyn VanVleet-Yes
Therefore, the building project is stalled for now.
"The tools to complete a successful building project are not in place."-John Fairbanks
"We've talked about getting bids, and that hasn't been done...I'm not in favor of doing anything without having a lawyer look at this contract."-Carol Draper
"I would feel more comfortable having an attorney look at this (contract)."-Marilyn VanVleet
and last, but not least Jackie McKellar addressing Linda VanDolsen,
"You are not looking out for the best interests of the people."
At this meeting there was a motion made, and seconded, to stop this building project and to pay Steve Riggs what is owed to him at this time. The motion passed by roll call vote:
Frances Arquette-No
Carol Draper-Yes
John Fairbanks-Yes
Linda VanDolsen-Yes
Marilyn VanVleet-Yes
Therefore, the building project is stalled for now.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
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